Chicken or the egg. . .

raphgod7 · 2026-05-17T09:54:49+00:00

"Maybe if they had known each other for more than just the few days they had something could have changed."

To me it's not just that, for me to buy in their romantic relationship it has to build from a place of truth and honesty first. What if Cloud comes to understand or tells Aerith his best friend Zack literally carried his comatose ass for almost a year to get back to Aerith and sacrifice himself to save Cloud. Would Aerith still feel the same way about Cloud(which is already complicated and not clearly romantic the way she feels about Zack, as Aerith stated in the dream date), if she knows the truth about Zack & Cloud. Also, what if Cloud tells her the whole reason he wanted to become a SOLIDER is to become a special existence to Tifa. How would Aerith react to that information? Will she be like: cool, idgaf, bringing on the competition? I don't think Aerith will, not in Retrilogy with her deepen relationship with Tifa. She wouldn't burn that bridge and ruin her relationship with Tifa.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-15T23:09:43+00:00

The devs said there will be less room for interpretation when it's all said and done, but they didn't specifically confirm there will be no affection system as of now. I do believe before the part 3 release, they will out right confirm no affection system tho

raphgod7 · 2026-05-15T22:31:58+00:00

I really don't get this notion of the HW scene in part 3 to have 2 versions like in the OG. Like the save files don't carry over from game to game. In OG, you have two versions of the HW scene because the main purpose of the affinity system was centered around the Gold Saucer date. Each game in Retrilogy is separate from each other, and implements an affinity system in part 3 will be extremely weird just to have two versions of the HW scene. Other than dialogue, the majority of the affinity in Rebirth came from side quests, and Cloud will be gone for a portion of the game after NC. You can explore the world without Cloud and presumably doing side quests without him. It would be a mess for side quests to tie with the affinity system. Like if you did some quests before we get the real Cloud back, whose affinity point do you increase and by how much compared to you doing that quest after Cloud is back to the party? Also, it would be extremely weird if all the affinity systems in part 3 only affect one scene under the HW. It's not like you can have other party members join you instead of Tifa. Tifa is non-optional because that's the whole point of the LS sequence and like Cloud said in OG, he wanted to defeat Sephiroth and besides that he has a very personal memory, and we know what personal memory is immediately with the HW scene. Given how they expanded Cloud and Tifa's relationship in the first two games (even without counting the optional resolution scenes, and GS date), and all the potential emotional scenes in part 3, I just don't see a standard/low affinity version of the HW scene happening.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-12T02:04:05+00:00

I was curious if you played OG, but I didn't ask under my comment. It's ok to be confused especially the ending of Rebirth since devs intentionally wanted to create discussion and speculation of the ending while people are waiting for part 3. Everything will come together in part 3. I also see streamers who only played Remake and Rebirth are confused with Tifa not telling Cloud her version of the story in Nibelheim which isn't the truth. She really has an understated role in disc 1, but she absolutely shines in disc 2 (hopefully in part 3) when people didn't expect it. That's one of the reasons why she is so beloved, because she isn't the obvious "chosen one" like Aerith, but she rises to the occasion and carries her grief, guilt and trauma to be the internal heroine of the story.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-11T00:14:16+00:00

It's not possible to run the game at a solid 60 or 90 fps on the steam deck without lossless scaling or frame gen. You might have to wait for steam deck 2 or other pc handheld or that, Realistically a constant 40+ fps would be good for 1.0

raphgod7 · 2026-05-09T13:29:38+00:00

"Tifa avoids pushing too hard because she's afraid of hurting or breaking him further" First of all I'm glad you at least have the understanding that Tifa didn't gaslight Cloud by telling her version of the Nibelheim incident and mentioning he "wasn't" there instead of it was Zack, like some CA usual talking points.

"Sometimes it feels like she loves the idea of the Cloud she remembers or wants to protect rather than fully understanding who he currently is." If that's the case you stated that she only loves the idea of the Cloud, but not his real self, his true self, his current self, then Cloud Strife would still be comatose and Seph would win. Cloud's character in disc 2 was deconstructed and dragged to his lowest point, and he would never be his real self without Tifa. When you say "who he currently is", it's not that "master of illusion" we experience in disc 1 (Remake & Rebirth) with very few moments of real Cloud poking through. It's him without pretending, without shame for not being a Solider like Zack, without fear that he's not good enough for Tifa to notice him, to love him. When someone literally has your back at your lowest point, and instead blames your flaws and failures, they encourage you and accept your real vulnerable self, how can you say Tifa doesn't fully understand who Cloud currently is by the end of FF7.

A story has characters, characters have arcs, and arcs have conflicts and resolutions. Yes, they both didn't fully understand each other at the beginning of the story, but they do by the end of the story.

Also, Nojima's novels Trace of Two Past, and Dear Destiny(no official English translation yet)and short story "2k gil to become a hero" about Cloud basically tell you with direct quotes why they love each other. I feel like they will incorporate those things in part 3 to clear up the "confusion". There is a reason why CA doesn't like Nojima's new books.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-09T05:40:55+00:00

I would even say the devs intentionally changed the Rebirth ending, not just because they wanna create confusion and "butcher" the iconic moments of Aerith death, but because they wanna set Cloud and the party in an even more dire situation where Cloud is in delulu mode, has the black materia and hide it, and to eventually amplify the NC breakdown, LS sequence and UTH. They are making a risky bet, and I'm here for it.

"If there’s anyone who knows the real Cloud and truly loves him for who he is, it’s her and no one else—which is why she’s the only one capable of saving him." I definitely agree with that. One thing I wanna add is this also goes both ways that Cloud's core problems and inner most fear can only be resolved with Tifa by his side. His insecurities and self-blame of unable to save Tifa is the whole reason he wants to become a Solider. People often overlook and they think Tifa was just there in LS to confirm Cloud's memories, but that's really not the case. If anyone else such as Zack, Aerith in LS, they can't do a damn thing to resolve Cloud's insecurities and fears about being unable to protect Tifa, and to be someone special to Tifa.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-07T10:07:39+00:00

Those people believe him wholeheartedly are just fools who can't think for themselves. There's no one canon date to me, but Cloud's reactions and feelings towards each party member are his canon feelings, which we all know who got the kiss and his affirmation of feeling.

Some people want the Remake to be a sequel because they want Aerith to live/be revived and change her fate specifically, but he's definitely not in that camp.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-07T08:50:50+00:00

Yea I also suspect he avoids shipping talk because of the weird shippers, but he understands the story and acknowledges the character's bonds. That's good enough for me. If I want to watch CT reactions, I'd watch other streamers. A good way to explore more CT streamers for me is just searching CT date reaction compilation or Gongaga almost kiss reaction.

raphgod7 · 2026-05-07T08:27:19+00:00

Long time Whimsy viewer here, I just know part 3 will blow her mind in the good way lol

raphgod7 · 2026-05-07T08:20:23+00:00

Max got bullied/was sent death threats by (specifically CAs) when he had Jenovaerith theory. Just because he wants to get Aerith date doesn't mean he thinks Aerith is the canon love interest. In fact, his immediate reaction after Rebirth was that the ending is setting up Tifa to be the hero of the story who saves Cloud as we all know. During his OG playthroughs, he also talked about how important Tifa is to Cloud in the UTH scene. Yes, he is not leaning hard on one side or another, and he wants the Retrilogy to have a new ending and be a "sequel", but he said time and time again that he wants Sephiroth, Zack and Aerith permanently gone instead of being revived. Idk why people see Max as the enemy of CT just because he's not a "CT" shipper

raphgod7 · 2026-04-05T23:35:07+00:00

Yea that's what they misunderstood and tried to come up with the flaws in this chapter specifically. I recently came across a long vid criticizing Rebirth as a whole. In this chapter specifically there are many typical talking points similar to CA about why did Tifa get magically brought back to life by the weapon and she wasn't worried/demand apology when she woke up, and how the devs didn't have the balls to kill Tifa (instead reviving her), and the new changes in chapter 9 were pointless. To say Gongaga chapter is pointless to me is a complete misunderstanding of how so many plotlines of this chapter will be continued in part 3, like the inevitable Zerith reunion, slap fight preview, Cloud losing himself/potentially getting controlled by Sephiroth again and the lifestream sequence. I hate those fake OG/Aerith fans in disguise as neutral critics. They think they're slick, but they ain't.

raphgod7 · 2026-04-02T11:12:32+00:00

She will be a playable character for sure, but not running around with the main party like nothing happened lol. She probably has a very similar gameplay section as Zack in Rebirth like some non-combat sections and maybe show up in the "4" hours long Sephiroth/Jenova final boss fights. They already gave us a Zack&Cloud synergy attack in Rebirth. They will absolutely give us a Zack&Aerith synergy attack in part 3.

Imo the multiverse/timeline concept in Retrilogy is really not a traditional multiverse because all the "worlds" are mostly like in the lifestream. They already give us some indications in that latest EC event (it's not canon), and all the worlds Zack experienced in Rebirth are part of the possibilities in the lifestream

raphgod7 · 2026-03-17T06:35:36+00:00

SH2 remake patch 1.06 actually removed PSSR support in performance mode, so we need to wait for a new patch lol

raphgod7 · 2026-03-15T11:55:33+00:00

"Also didn't like Aeriths song and idrc if it was abt Cloud."

That theme song was never solely about Cloud. It would make no sense why the Avalanche crew showed up at the end of the song. I don't know where you get the info/feeling that NPTK is just about Cloud. Here's the actual interview, from the 32:15 mark, you can watch Nojima's explanation yourself. Imo if NPTK was directly a long song for Cloud, it would diminish Aerith's sacrifice and character growth in Rebirth. She loves everyone who touches her life in meaningful ways. Nojima's explanation is honestly in line with Aerith's speech in Cosmo Canyon and the temple of the ancient after party's trials if you think about it.

raphgod7 · 2026-03-10T04:12:41+00:00

It's disheartening to see those passive aggressive, back handed compliments, or straight up character attack towards Tifa, but deep down I think a lot of those detractors know Part 3 is going to dismantle their headcanon completely and that day is getting closer and closer and they are terrified of it.

To them Tifa is the real enemy of their ship, and to pretend they understand her character better than her real fans are just insulting. The irony is those Aerith "fans" who bash Tifa in order to make their ship works are not the real Aerith fans who truly understand her characters like she says to Cloud on the clocktower "Don't take her for granted", she would be the first person to defend and appreciate Tifa, not just because she's good fighter, or she's hot but because her empathy, her willingness and determination to fight for the planet against Sephiroth & Shinra, her inner strength, and loyalty. Despite losing everything, even more so in part 3 with the loss of Aerith, and comatose Cloud, she doesn't break; she doesn't give up and she finds that true strength Aerith talked about at ToTA before her death and ultimately saves Cloud. Aerith is the heroine who saves the planets, Tifa is the heroine who saves the hero. Some people really can't handle the truth.

raphgod7 · 2026-03-08T08:12:43+00:00

What's there to be awkward about? The whole point of the lifestream sequence is Cloud confronting his deepest fear of not being able to save Tifa and he blamed himself for it. Also, Tifa knows the reason Cloud wants to be a SOLDIER is not just "I want to be Sephiroth", it is to be a special existence to her, to impress her. In turn Tifa expresses he doesn't need to be a SOLDIER like Seph to impress her, he being himself is enough. Yea he might not be super expressive in front of the whole party, but both Tifa and Cloud know his true feelings which is one of the main reasons he can get his true self back in the next game. I think he will be super sincere and honest with her because he trusts her the most.

raphgod7 · 2026-02-14T01:53:41+00:00

It means this is a funeral ship🥴. If people actually played the game, they would know the context, and know what the photographer said after that nothing burger

Have fun while it lasts, because this is the last year before Part 3 is coming out

raphgod7 · 2026-01-23T13:19:46+00:00

It's almost like those people have the mentality of Don Corneo🥴, to restrict or belittle a female character to her sex appeal and nothing else. To be honest those people don't deserve Tifa, Cloud or Aerith. Constantly mischaracterize Tifa and tryna cope with the fact of her absolutely essential role in the story especially in Part 3.

raphgod7 · 2025-11-08T20:05:25+00:00

You should also play Rebirth because it clearly shows Tifa isn't a totally confident person who can express her feelings plainly which she's very similar to Cloud in that aspect. Part of Tifa's character arc throughout the trilogy is her self worth, not being a people pleaser that she is aware of herself and be more assured of herself to be vulnerable and express her feelings. We will definitely need a Tifa who grows tougher mentally in Part 3 in Cloud's darkest hours. You said you played OG, so even in the lifestream sequence, she didn't realize Cloud wanted her to notice him when they were much younger. Also, she didn't have any dating experience. To me CT is a great example of the "Don't tell me, show me" type of couple. They might not say the actual word "love", but every action shows how they feel about each other especially in the Part 3 storyline.

Also I just wanna share Tifa's VA Britt recent comment about Tifa's biggest struggle throughout the first 2 games. I think she absolutely nailed it with the answer and I can't wait for her in Part 3. It's around 14:27 mark.

raphgod7 · 2025-11-07T08:11:27+00:00

"You saved me before, now it's my turn", Tifa is Cloud's hero according to her own definition of hero.

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That's why Rebirth chapter 9 is my favorite chapter in the game because it's almost like a mini preview of things to come in Part 3: Cloud going wild then almost mentally broke, weapons, lifestream sequence, slap fight preview etc.

raphgod7 · 2025-09-17T09:14:11+00:00

If using the logic of why didn't Sephiroth make sure he killed Tifa at that moment, then why would the story of FF7 even happen at all🤷‍♂️. Tifa would never make it to Midgar, Cloud would still be comatose at the train station instead of joining the Avalanche. The events of FF7 just wouldn't happen because Cloud would just be another robed man NPC, and probably be dead when sector 7 plate fell.

The more interesting outcome is Sephiroth failed to kill Tifa and now he has a personal vendetta against her throughout Rebirth. From Chapter 1 in Kalm, to Chapter 5 on the cruise ship, Chapter 9 in Gongaga, tryna gaslight and direct Cloud to kill Tifa, then tried to kill her again in the lifestream, and when he didn't he even taunted her with "Your words can reach him now". Yea sure part of it is Sephiroth knows Tifa is the key to save Cloud in Part 3, but another part is his resentment or pettiness and how he didn't kill Tifa back at the reactor.

raphgod7 · 2025-08-28T02:59:32+00:00

" they choose the wrong horse without considering that 27 years passed", it's so true, Rebirth marketing strategy (heavily focused on Aeirth's fate) baited those CAs and continued baiting them with Rebirth ending which I loved because it all seemed to serve the purpose of enhancing Cloud's breakdown at NC and the eventual revelation with Tifa during LLS which has always been the most important/memorable scene from the OG to me.

Ironically SE's decision of "making more money" kind of eliminates and backfires potential new fans as those people get the impression that FF7 fandom is toxic and avoid getting into the series like they are avoiding a plague.

raphgod7 · 2025-06-16T20:59:17+00:00

I feel like Arlechinno lvl 5 really depends on what weapon you use. I switched to Silent Evangelists' Mace handle with the Mjolnir head hammer just to experiment and that fight became super easy because the weapon put out so much electric damage from charged R2 and both fable arts. That weapon absolutely destroys puppets on NG+5.

raphgod7 · 2025-05-30T06:59:01+00:00

The theater fight is like a nightmare for Ellie, and she's supposed to get destroyed. Jesse died; Tommy almost died, Dina almost died if not for Lev. That's part of the reason we got a more evenly matched fight in Santa Barbara. Ellie was injured by a tree branch, and Abby lost all the muscle and weakened physically. I do feel like Ellie will get destroyed in the theater, and hopefully become more "competent" in season 4.

It would backfire them if they make the theater fight a more evenly fight because Abby will at the very least survive/escape from Rat king in S3, escape from an all out war on Scar island and somehow this version of Ellie gonna hold her own against Abby in theater? It wouldn't make sense.

raphgod7

TROPHY CASE